The Moon's current orbital distance is about thirty times the diameter of Earth, causing it to have an apparent size in the sky almost the same as that of the Sun. The Moon's gravitational influence produces the ocean tides and the slight lengthening of the day. Its prominence in the sky and its regular cycle of phases have, since ancient times, made the Moon an important cultural influence on language, calendars, art, and mythology. Although it can appear a very bright white, its surface is actually dark, with a reflectance just slightly higher than that of worn asphalt.

It is the second-brightest regularly visible celestial object in Earth's sky (after the Sun), as measured by illuminance on the surface of Earth. The Moon is in synchronous rotation with Earth, always showing the same face with its near side marked by dark volcanic maria that fill between the bright ancient crustal highlands and the prominent impact craters. Moon 3D Map allows you to view Moon landscape in a new way. Installed Plugin Version: Google Maps JavaScript API

Satellite map 3d earth